HDF Energy has teamed up with DIGAS, a locomotive retrofit expert, to accelerate the design and development of diesel locomotive retrofit projects involving hydrogen power. As part of the partnership, HDF has also acquired a minority stake in DIGAS’ capital.
The two companies will combine their efforts, resources and expertise to create CO2-emission-free hydrogen locomotives, offering an alternative to polluting diesel-powered locomotives. This retrofit solution will deliver both environmental and economically sustainable benefits to their customers.
HDF Energy will leverage its expertise in the development of hydrogen infrastructures, based on 10 years of hands-on technical experience throughout the complete hydrogen value chain, to position itself as a designer and manufacturer of high-power fuel cells for heavy marine and rail mobility. HDF has already demonstrated its capabilities in the French railway sector with the HyShunt project, which was conducted with Captrain, a subsidiary of SNCF, to develop the first hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive.
DIGAS is a Latvian-based company with 15 years of engineering, certification and commissioning experience in retrofitting all kinds of high-horsepower vehicles, with a recent focus on the locomotive sector. It is the first company in the European Union to have certified a retrofitted gaseous fuel locomotive.
The partnership will contribute to the rapid transition towards hydrogen power in the railway sector, offering competitive performance and operational advantages when compared to traditional power solutions. The hydrogen locomotives are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective.
Petro Dumenko, Founder and CEO of DIGAS stated, “Together, we will be able to serve the railway freight market, providing a long-waited solution of instant decarbonization for the non-electrified part of the sector. This will significantly expand the ability of locomotive operators worldwide to make their operation not only carbon-free but also pollution-free and do it while staying competitive in the marketplace.”
Damien Harvard, Founder and President of HDF Energy, added, “Thanks to their extensive experience, DIGAS has already demonstrated its technical leadership in designing, managing, and commissioning complex diesel locomotive retrofit projects throughout Europe. Combined with HDF’s 10 years of experience in hydrogen projects, we will be able to offer the railway freight market competitive carbon-free locomotive retrofit solutions using hydrogen power.”
This partnership marks a significant step forward for the railway sector in its pursuit of reducing carbon emissions. The retrofit solution has the potential to revolutionize the industry, promoting a cleaner environment and offering competitive performance and operational advantages. The partnership aims to accelerate the development of hydrogen-powered locomotives and provide a sustainable solution for the future of rail transportation.
